- Details
- Category: Industry News
You asked for it and we listened. In this column, we ask operators of all sizes and from all walks of the industry a question about their business and report their answers so you can assess how your own company compares to your peers. If you would like to participate, please email Rob Smentek at rob@chauffeurdriven.com for next issue’s question.
TOPIC: What percentage revenue did you see year-over-year for 2024 over 2023, and what sectors are growing the most?
We experienced extraordinary growth in 2024, with a 25-percent increase in revenue compared to 2023. This growth was fueled by the expansion of farm-out partnerships, a steady increase in retail bookings, and the successful acquisition of new contract work. These milestones reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional service and building strong relationships with both clients and affiliates across the industry.
Karl Guenther, President/CEO
Statement Limousine in Sheffield Lake, Ohio
I am happy to report that our year-over-year increase is currently 23 percent, which included the worst October that I can remember due to two hurricanes that impacted our area. Currently, our December is super busy, and I anticipate making up some of the losses from October. Tourism numbers are still down, but I’m hoping they will recover soon. Overall, our biggest growth sector was in group events, golf resort trips, and airport transfers. Also, increasingly adding to our bottom line is farm-out work for our local clients traveling worldwide. We are optimistic about the next few years’ growth.
Thomas Halsnik, President
Walsh Chauffeured Transportation in Tampa, Fla.
We grew about 15 percent from 2023 to 2024. All the growth was 100 percent in convention business and sporting events. The Dallas/Fort Worth area was lucky to have a lot of large events this year and a lot of them popped up for ground transportation needs at the last minute, and we were able to secure those.
Matthew Johnston, President
AJL International in Irving, Texas
After looking at the past two years in the transportation industry, it seems to have served as a crucial barometer for understanding the broader economic recovery in the post-pandemic world. Fluctuating revenue growth, in different categories from 11 to 42 percent, reflects the uneven path for the travel industry. These fluctuations are influenced by various factors, starting with consumer behaviors. As corporate business adapts to hybrid work models and reshapes the workplace environment, this has caused changes in commuting patterns, impacting transportation systems, and the demand for corporate travel. As employees continue to balance remote and in-office work, transportation needs and patterns have evolved, signaling a slower but steady redefinition of the corporate landscape.
Hopefully, by the end of the year, businesses will gain clarity on the direction in which they are headed. While some industries may have settled into more consistent growth, others are still struggling with the impacts of these fluctuations. The challenge lies in interpreting short-term ups and downs while aligning them with long-term trends to guide decision-making and business strategies. For businesses, the key will be to balance the results of our year-end numbers. While understanding how these new patterns will impact operations as they move forward in an unpredictable economic landscape.
Len Joseph, President
On The Town Limousines in Frederick, Md.
Our 2024 revenue is up about 10 percent compared to 2023 YTD. While the growth has slowed from the post-COVID surge, it’s more of a leveling off, as expected. One bright spot is the over-the-road tours sector, which has shown strong growth. We’re optimistic this will become a significant revenue driver, especially with the return of travel tours from South America, Europe, and hopefully Asia soon.
Stefan Kisiov, President
K&G Coach Line in Park Ridge, Ill.
Right now, we are up 15 percent overall for the year. We have done fewer trips overall but our average revenue per trip is up by 35 percent this year, which is a matrix that I pay attention to every month. Our airport transfers are down this year as I have really concentrated on large events with multiple shuttles using our luxury Sprinter and Transit vans. I will continue this sales philosophy into the new year with several new lucrative contracts already signed and sealed in our area. I expect to double our revenue in 2025.
Kevin Mullane, Owner/Operator
Silver Oak Transportation in Hilton Head Island, S.C.
We are having a banner year this year. We’re up about 25 percent this year—which also included buying another small company, so it’s a higher-than-usual growth. Airport transfers continue to be solid and growing. Contract work is also a growth market for us. Next year, we are adding new services and are very excited about it!
Tracy Salinger, President
Unique Chauffeured Transportation in Harrisburg, Pa.
Our sales have gone up by 6 percent. But with higher insurance costs and buying a bunch of new vehicles and, therefore adding more car payments and other small expenditures, I guess our profit revenue is slightly down from last year. The bigger vehicles (i.e., Sprinters and buses) have definitely seen an increase in revenue sales. Thanks to our monthly reports by Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions, we know that we have the answers to better prepare for 2025.
Jess Sandhu, Director of Operations
A&A Limousine & Bus Service in Kenmore, Wash.
2023 was an excellent year for us in little ol’ Wichita, Kansas. So, the fact that 2024 will be dangerously close to 2023 is a win in my book. It’s definitely going to be a photo finish, but I’m pleased. The two years have been very similar with all sectors performing about the same. I would love to have a three-peat in 2025.
Quentin Shackelford, Owner
AllClassLimo.com in Wichita, Kan.
We anticipate a 38 percent year-over-year revenue growth in 2024, both in Asia and globally. Geographically, the primary contributors to this growth are the increased farm-ins and farm-outs between Asian and GCC countries, followed closely by the rising demand in Japan.
Amy Yan, Co-Founder & Managing Partner
AmyExpress in Kowloon, Hong Kong
We’ve loved hearing your answers to our benchmarking questions—but we always welcome suggestions for future topics, too!
Send an email to rob@chauffeurdriven.com you just might see your query answered in our next e-News.
[12.19.24]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Chauffeur Driven and the National Limousine Association are thrilled to see so many operators from around the world taking advantage of the Early Bird Rate for our incredible Vegas show held at the Paris Hotel & Casino this coming February 23-26. In effect through the holidaze—January 10, to be precise—this amazing deal allows our attendees to save almost $75 off the regular price. What’s more, NLA members save an additional $100, giving you four days of education, networking, and fun for just $475. Click here to register.
For hundreds of our attendees, nothing outweighs the importance of networking at CD/NLA events. As such, we’ve assembled several dedicated events designed for operators to expand their business network. For example, we’re thrilled to once again offer our ultra-popular International Meet & Greet (sponsored by Global Alliance Worldwide Chauffeured Services and Van Delden Limousine) and the Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum (sponsored by Volvo), where we expect to have more than 100 tables.
But what about those who have never experienced the hustle and bustle of the CD/NLA Vegas Show? We’re all intimately familiar with the excitement, anxiety, and overwhelming feelings that envelope you when you’re a newbie, so we’re here to help with our First-Timers’ Event. Held on Sunday afternoon (February 23), we’ll start with a brief orientation, where you and your fellow first-timers will be paired with an industry professional who can make recommendations for the best sessions to attend, people to meet, and any other confusion you have about the show. You can always reach out to anyone on the CD or NLA teams for more assistance, but we take it one step further. Lifelong friendships and business relationships often start at our shows, so you’ll know at least a few people who can lend a hand after attending our orientation. All you have to do is concentrate on your investment in attending the show.
“As a first-timer to the show, I felt very welcomed and everyone was friendly. I met fantastic people and made connections that will be very helpful to our business,” says Nancy Plante of Executive Express
“As a new operator, I came to the show not knowing what to expect and had neutral expectations. Within one day, I immediately realized the show was everything I was looking for and more as a new operator. Not only did I get the education I was seeking, but my opportunities to network with operators from all over the world blew my expectations out of the water,” raves Patrick McKenna of Bing Mountain Luxury Transportation.
Visit cdnlavegas.com for more information.
[12.17.24]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
LILA President Tom Gouldsbury of Azure Limousine addresses the crowd
More than 60 members and guests headed to Wind Watch Golf & Country Club in Hauppauge, N.Y., on Wednesday, December 11, for the Long Island Limousine Association (LILA) holiday party and dinner. In addition to offering a delicious buffet dinner and valuable networking, the evening also gave members a glimpse of the association’s plans for the new year.
L to R: Jeffrey Dupoux of DH2 Chauffeured Transportation, Mike Rose of My Limousine Service, Nancy Vargas of DH2 Chauffeured Transportation, Douglas Schwartz of Executive Limousine, Drew Messina of Create-A-Card, and Annette Snedaker of DH2 Chauffeured Transportation.
“The meeting was very successful,” says LILA President Tom Gouldsbury of Azure Limousine. “We’re looking forward to a really robust 2025 where we’ve launched a new program against illegal operators. We’ve hired a PR firm, and we’re scheduling a press conference for late December. In January, we’re doing a breakfast for legislators and other politicians to catch their ear and inform them.”
The association has also had two meetings with the Suffolk County TLC about the issue of illegal operators. Currently, the biggest challenge for licensed operators is coming from Facebook pages that advertise cheap local transportation.
LILA teamed up with Advantage Remarketing Solutions to fill a Sprinter with donations for Toys for Tots
“Illegal operators are taking money out of our pockets and they’re driving with noncommercial plates. It’s about time that someone’s done something about it, and that’s what our association is trying to do. We’re never going to cure the problem, but we can have an impact on the situation,” says Gouldsbury.
Gouldsbury states that LILA has great support from their members to tackle this issue. Recently, the association got an NLA grant for $6,000, which will be used to help them kick off the program.
Ariel Ullberg and LILA President Tom Gouldsbury of Azure Limousine
“We want to let the surrounding area know that the LILA exists and we’re here to support the community. We’re out to share public awareness,” he says.
While the issue of illegal operators was highlighted, the meeting also served as a Toys for Tots benefit, with Eric Coolbaugh from meeting sponsor Advantage Remarketing Solutions bringing a Sprinter to fill with new, unwrapped toys. Dozens and dozens of donations were brought by members to support the Marine Corps charity.
Other sponsors of the dinner meeting included Friedlander Group, Royale Limousine, Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, Rocky Mountain Coach, and IntelliShift.
LILA has plans to hold a meeting in March, shortly after the CD/NLA Show in Vegas.
Visit lilimoassociation.com for more information.
[12.17.24]